Medicine in Novel Technology and Devices

This study introduces a new method that combines mean-shift clustering, image binarization, and the Canny edge detector to evaluate the #biodegradability of tissue scaffolds using #ultrasound images, without needing to perform invasive procedures. While these are traditional image processing #techniques, together they effectively highlight the contour of bioelastomer in ultrasound images, which is difficult to do with just one method due to background noise. The mean-shift-based algorithm performs significantly better than other methods, such as k-means clustering or using just an edge detector. The study also analyzes texture features inside the scaffold, showing that seven key statistical features can help assess how the bioelastomer degrades. These early results demonstrate the promise of using #computer-assisted image processing to noninvasively monitor the biodegradation of scaffold materials in tissue engineering. The ultimate aim is to develop a solution that can support regenerative medicine by helping assess scaffold performance more easily and accurately. #innovation #research #application #devices #images https://lnkd.in/gpraMZzP

Application of multiscale coupling models in the numerical study of circulation system https://lnkd.in/g2X-vrx6 In this paper, the main methods of hemodynamic modeling in recent years are summarized, including lumped parameter model (0D model), distributed parameter model (1D model) and finite element model of (3D model), and their applications in cardiovascular studies. On this basis, the principles of several commonly used multiscale coupling models and their applications in cardiovascular disease researches and clinical practice are introduced, including 1D-0D, 3D-0D, and 3D-1D coupling model. #Heterogeneity #innovation #research #Hemodynamics

Multiscattering-enhanced absorbance to enable the sensitive analysis of extremely diluted biological samples: Determination of oxidative potential in exhaled air https://lnkd.in/gcM7G58A Direct determination of the oxidative potential in exhaled air (OPEA) as a biological indicator of the redox balance status in airways requires an extremely sensitive sensing approach to counterbalance the high dilution of the exhaled air matrix. In opposite to standard colorimetric assays based on Beer-Lambert Law, the use of simple multiscattering-enhanced absorbance (MEA) strategy results in an improved photonic sensing system. Based on this strategy and using the ferrous-xylenol orange assay, analytical performances allowing the detection of 3 pmol of H2O2 could be obtained. The comparative analysis of photometric configurations – standard vs MEA – highlights the large absorbance gain obtained for tiny H2O2 amounts – from 0 to 30 pmol – whereas similar sensing trends are observed at higher concentration range. The automated introduction of exhaled air sample into the reaction compartment via needle-impinger coupled with the MEA-based photonic cell enables ultrasensitive determination of OPEA in short time (<5 min). A pilot study conducted on healthy subjects (n = 22) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients (n = 23) volunteers shows a significant increase of the OPEA for COPD versus controls and strong negative correlation between OPEA and spirometry parameters (Tiffeneau index: FEV1/FVC) for ex-/non-smokers. Application perspectives to assess inflammatory episodes in obstructive lung diseases are thus made possible using this sensing approach. #Heterogeneity #innovation #research #COPD

Automatic quantitative analysis of metabolism inactivation concentration in single bacterium using stimulated Raman scattering microscopy with deep learning image segmentation https://lnkd.in/gds4afQv Rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) is urgently needed to slow down the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and treat infections with correct antibiotics. Stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy is a technique that enables rapid chemical-bond imaging with sub-cellular resolution. It can obtain the AST results with a single bacterium resolution. Although the SRS imaging assay is relatively fast, taking less than 2 h, the calculation of single-cell metabolism inactivation concentration (SC-MIC) is performed manually and takes a long time. The bottleneck tasks that hinder the SC-MIC throughput include bacterial segmentation and intensity thresholding. To address these issues, we devised a hybrid algorithm to segment single bacteria from SRS images with automatic thresholding. Our proposed method comprises a U-Net convolutional neural network (CNN), DropBlock, and secondary segmentation post-processing. Our results show that SC-MIC calculation can be accomplished within 1 min and more accurate segmentation results using deep learning-based bacterial segmentation method, which is essential for its clinical applications. #innovation #research #technology

Protein expression changes in cornea after collagen crosslinking https://lnkd.in/eNPAaXKB #Corneal collagen crosslinking Proteomic analysis was performed at different time points after CXL(corneal collagen crosslinking). One week after CXL, differential proteins were more involved in inflammatory reactions. One month after CXL, differential proteins were more involved in substance synthesis and metabolism. Corneal stromal remodeling after CXL is a complex process involving inflammatory response, extracellular matrix synthesis, cell adhesion, etc. #innovation #research #technology

Alterations in gut microbiota and physiological factors associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm https://lnkd.in/gJR9BfQE Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a progressive focal dilatation and weakening of the abdominal aorta, causing 1.3% of all deaths among men aged 65–85 years worldwide. The formation of AAA is a complex process with multiple risk factors. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the relationship of disease severity and physiological factors, and gut microbiota structures in AAA patients. Physiological indicators and fecal 16S rRNA gene sequences from healthy controls and patients with AAA were collected. The correlations between the diameter of the AAA and clinical parameters, and gut microbiota composition were then analyzed separately using multivariable analysis. The diameter of AAA was extremely positively correlated with smoking index, alkaline phosphatase, blood glucose, and blood triglycerides and negatively correlated with prealbumin and Cystatin C. As the diameter of AAA increased, the α-diversity, including Chao 1, Shannon, and Simpson indices, of the gut microbiota decreased and presented a negative linear relationship. Patients with AAA with more severe disease had significantly increased relative abundance of Enterobacteriaceae and decreased relative abundance of Veillonellaceae. A strong correlation was observed between the diameter and physiological data, as well as between diameter and gut microbiota composition. This study could improve the understanding of AAA, and gut microbiota may be a potential target to prevent and treat this deadly disease. #Abdominal aortic aneurysm #Gut microbiota #α-diversity #Physiological factor #Cardiovascular diseases #technology #research #innovation

A novel angiography-based computational modelling for assessing the dynamic stress and quantitative fatigue fracture risk of the coronary stents immediately after implantation: Effects of stent materials, designs and target vessel motions https://lnkd.in/gysCiCC8 Fluctuating stress on the implanted coronary stents within cardiac cycle is an important mechanism of fatigue fracture, which is associated with in-stent restenosis and stent thrombosis. We developed a novel computational modelling to calculate the dynamic stress of stents based on the time sequence angiography immediately after treatment. Two groups of patient-specific cases (one same stent design treated in 4 different coronary arteries and one same artery actually/virtually implanted one stent with 3 different designs) were performed the dynamic stress analysis by this computational modelling and subsequently assessed the fatigue fracture risk by Goodman method. The motion of target arteries significantly impacts on distribution of the stress and the risk of stent fracture, particularly in the site of hinge motion. Both the location of stent stress concentration in the obtuse marginal artery and the “unsafe” region in the inverse fatigue safety factor contour co-registered with the position of complete transverse fracture 13 months later after implantation. Three stents with different designs had the same location of highest stress concentration at the hinge motion site of the actually/virtually treated artery. Higher strength stent materials are significantly lower the risk of stent fracture rather than stent designs. This new computational modelling might be a useful tool in assessment of fracture risk of the implanted stent and in optimizing new design of dedicated stent treated specific coronary arteries and mechanical properties in vivo of bioresorbable scaffold during degradation process. #Coronary angiography #Dynamic stress #Superficial wall strain #Fatigue analysis #Cardiac cycle #Cardiovascular biomechanics #technology #research #innovation

Flexible, wearable biosensors for digital health https://lnkd.in/gDuwBMgb Flexible and stretchable biosensors have the advantage of enhanced signal validity and patient comfort during physiological signal sensing and biomolecular analysis, crucial for disease diagnosis, treatment and health management. Their lightness, softness and excellent mechanical properties enable effective skin-device interface coupling and skin safety profiles, realizing multi-functional, intelligent real-time sensing. In this review, the basic sensing principles of biosensor systems and their applications are discussed. Moreover, the potential applications and prospective progress of these biosensors are further prospected. Flexible, wearable biosensors have the potential to realize continuous and long-term health monitoring in clinical and daily health care. #Heterogeneity #innovation #research #Bioelectronics

Differences in root stress and strain distribution in buccal and lingual orthodontics: A finite element analysis study https://lnkd.in/dwrM44jp #Orthodontic forces can cause stress and strain concentration and microcracks on tooth root surfaces. This study aimed to analyze whether a lingual orthodontic appliance was more likely to cause root stress concentration and root resorption than the traditional buccal appliance. A finite element model of the root of the maxillary central incisor with straight, buccal, and lingual curvatures was established. A load perpendicular to the tooth surface on the buccal and lingual surfaces of the central incisor was applied, and the stress and strain concentration at the root apex was compared. The stress and strain at the root apex of the lingual cingulum group were lesser than those of the buccal group; little difference was observed between the lingual and buccal clinical crown central augmentation groups. The stress and strain at the root apex of the lingual direction movement group were greater than those of the buccal direction movement group. The direction of the root curvature also influenced the amount of stress and strain at the root apex. The difference in the risk of root resorption between lingual and buccal orthodontics is dependent on the height of the bracket placement. The loading direction of the orthodontic force and direction of the root curvature also affect the stress and strain at the root apex. #Heterogeneity #innovation #research #Malocclusion

Micro/nano biomedical devices for point-of-care diagnosis of infectious respiratory diseases https://lnkd.in/gyXupsYc Corona Virus Disease 2019 (#COVID-19) has developed into a global pandemic in the last two years, causing significant impacts on our daily life in many countries. Rapid and accurate detection of COVID-19 is of great importance to both treatments and pandemic management. Till now, a variety of point-of-care testing (#POCT) approaches devices, including nucleic acid-based test and immunological detection, have been developed and some of them has been rapidly ruled out for clinical diagnosis of COVID-19 due to the requirement of mass testing. In this review, we provide a summary and commentary on the methods and biomedical devices innovated or renovated for the quick and early diagnosis of COVID-19. In particular, some of micro and nano devices with miniaturized structures, showing outstanding analytical performances such as ultra-sensitivity, rapidness, accuracy and low cost, are discussed in this paper. We also provide our insights on the further implementation of biomedical devices using advanced micro and nano technologies to meet the demand of point-of-care diagnosis and home testing to facilitate pandemic management. In general, our paper provides a comprehensive overview of the latest advances on the POCT device for diagnosis of COVID-19, which may provide insightful knowledge for researcher to further develop novel diagnostic technologies for rapid and on-site detection of pathogens including SARS-CoV-2. #innovation #research #technology